Serve up smiles all summer long at 4-H Camp Owahta! 4-H Camp Owahta, owned and operated by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Cortland County, is a vibrant 128-acre camp in McGraw, NY, complete with cabins, a rustic lodge, a waterfront, sports fields, and wooded trails. Each summer, the camp serves over 400 youth through its overnight and day camp programs.

The Camp Kitchen Assistant plays an important role in supporting the Camp Kitchen Manager with the health, safety, and daily operation of the camp kitchen. Responsibilities include assisting in assigned areas of the kitchen and/or dining room, washing dishes, cleaning kitchen equipment and food storage areas, helping prep meals, and keeping all surfaces clean and sanitary (including floors, countertops, and prep areas). This position is expected to follow all 4-H Camp Owahta policies and procedures and comply with American Camp Association (ACA) standards and New York State Department of Health (DOH) regulations Once kitchen duties are complete, the Camp Kitchen Assistant may also have the opportunity to support evening activities and camp programming.

This position is responsible for performing all duties outlined in this description, as well as other responsibilities as assigned and deemed appropriate by the Outdoor Recreation Director.

    

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position. All applicants must complete an application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references.

All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/. 

Please contact the CCE office at 607-391-2660 with questions. 

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time exempt position, 100% FTE. The summer salary for this position is $3,000.00 to $3,800.00 commensurate with experience.

Sponsorship for employment visa status is not available for this position.

POSITION INFORMATION:

Required Qualifications:

• At least 17 years of age.
• Work the entire camp season and two weeks of preparation; June 15-July 3 and July 5-August 14.
• Ability to build positive, approachable relationships with youth, parents, and staff.
• Desire, ability and willingness to work and live in a camp community and to reside at 4-H Camp Owahta, McGraw, NY (including overnights) the entire duration of the camp season (July 5-August 14, 2026).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrated ability to complete tasks as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current CPR and First Aid certification(s) from courses approved by the NYS Department of Health (will certify if necessary).
• Serve Safe Certification or equivalent.
• Experience working with youth ages 5-16.
• Training and/or experience in food service.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others.
• Receptiveness to guidance, supervision and feedback.
• Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self-control.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Job Responsibilities - 95%

Kitchen Operations, Meal Service & Support

• During staff training, work with the Kitchen Manager to clean, prep and set up the kitchen and dining room.
• Assist in preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for up to 150 campers and staff, according to the American Camp Association (ACA) and Department of Health regulations.
• Assist in assigned kitchen duties including unloading and storing kitchen supplies, washing dishes, glasses and silverware by machine, sweeping and mopping kitchen and dining room, properly disposing of trash and recyclable items, washing pots and pans by hand and any additional tasks deemed necessary by the Kitchen Manager.
• Assist in tracking meals served daily.
• Assist in serving food to campers in a variety of ways: family-style, buffet, cook-outs, etc.
• Assist the Kitchen Manager in the planning and development of camper activities and programs as appropriate.
• During staff training, work with the Kitchen Manager to clean, prep and